AS THE winter takes hold and temperatures drop, National Highways is preparing a nationwide operation to help keep England’s motorways and major A-roads safe – whatever the weather. Last winter alone, National Highways’ fleet of 530 gritters covered more than 1.5million miles, the equivalent of driving around the Earth over 60 times. Each gritter can weigh anything from 18 – 26 tonnes fully loaded, with the largest able to carry 11 tonnes of rock salt. In total, teams carried

Cambridgeshire County Council has strengthened its backing for the national Stamp It Out campaign after a sharp rise in violence, intimidation and abuse directed at local highway workers. The authority said its decision to push the campaign more prominently comes in response to a growing number of incidents affecting staff on the ground. Since November 2024, the council has logged 29 reports of threatening behaviour and four assaults — ranging from spitting and verbal harassm

Amey, in partnership with Trafford Council, has officially launched its first public electric vehicle (EV) charging network. This milestone follows the project’s initial announcement in September 2025 and marks a major step forward in expanding sustainable transport across the borough. Hale, Stretford, and Sale are among the first locations with chargers now live, with more to follow in the coming months. The initiative will deliver up to 100 public EV charging points across

Firstgroup has doubled down on its open access expansion plans as the transport business defied government concerns over the scheme. The FTSE 250 firm said it was “focused on growing” its operations in open access, an arrangement under which private rail operators will continue to run services after the nationalisation of all major routes as part of the government’s plans for public rail ownership. “Open access operators bring significant private investment to both the rail s

National Highways, the government-owned body responsible for England’s motorways and major A-roads, is facing an existential question: can it retain its credibility as a publicly owned infrastructure company? After a decade marked by ambitious but controversial projects, safety controversies, financial overruns, and public protests, the organisation’s reputation is under intense scrutiny. With the government pivoting toward road renewals rather than headline-grabbing new-buil

Retail crime in the UK is worsening, with a quarter of retail staff reporting that they have been physically assaulted while at work. A recent report from the Retail Trust revealed that nearly half of retail employees (44%) experience abuse or attacks on a weekly basis — a 10% increase compared to last year. A separate YouGov survey commissioned by the Trust found that one in three members of the public had witnessed a shop worker being treated rudely or abusively over the pa

A Lancashire MP has renewed calls for the return of a rail connection to Fleetwood, arguing that one of the country’s largest towns without a train service is being held back by poor transport links. Lorraine Beavers, Labour MP for Blackpool North and Fleetwood, raised the issue in the House of Commons, highlighting that the town’s single main road is often heavily congested. She said improved rail connectivity was essential for tackling inequalities in health, education and

Wrexham is set to receive a major boost to its active travel infrastructure with a new scheme designed to improve walking and cycling links between the city centre and Wrexham General railway station. The project will establish an upgraded active travel route beginning at the pedestrianised section of Hope Street, near Waterstones, and continuing towards the station. Roadworks are scheduled to begin on 5 January 2026 and will be delivered in phases through to early summer. T

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has been officially recognised for its efforts to tackle harassment, abuse and violence against women and girls, Mayor Richard Parker has confirmed. The authority has secured White Ribbon accreditation—a nationally respected m ark awarded to organisations that commit to long-term, strategic action to prevent violence against women. To achieve the accreditation, organisations must appoint a senior leader as a White Ribbon Ambassador

Hundreds of Greater Manchester workers are going on strike through November, with further action planned if a wage increase deal is not reached.  Across Manchester’s transport services, workers belonging to Unite and Unison, two major trade unions, are walking out to demand a real-terms pay increase, better working conditions, and a 4-day working week. Action took place on 12 November and 14 November, following strikes and work-to-rule action in previous weeks. Unite has warn

Thousands of London Underground ticket barriers are being rebranded as part of a new sponsorship deal that will offer travellers cashback on their fares when they pay with a Chase debit card. Transport for London (TfL) has agreed a multi-year partnership with the online bank, which will see Chase become the official payment provider across the network. About 5,000 contactless-enabled barriers will carry Chase branding, with the first installations completed on Monday at 12 of

The number of defects on Lancashire’s roads and pavements has dropped by more than 25,000 over the last year. Figures from Lancashire County Council show that the tally of faults awaiting repair – which includes potholes – had fallen to 35,514 in September 2025, down from 61,063 when the same snapshot was taken 12 months earlier. The authority’s Reform UK administration, which took control at County Hall in May this year, has attributed the 42 percent reduction to a wholesale

A number of short-term fixes have been suggested to improve traffic flow into Shrewsbury town centre. There have complaints about a build up of traffic outside the railway station since the new gyratory road system was redesigned, along with concerns about the safety of passengers at a new bus stop. Shropshire councillors met on Monday to look at potential solutions. Meeting chairman Ed Potter said the committee had recommended resequencing the traffic lights and looking for

Newly released data shows that more than 200 cyclists were injured in road traffic collisions across North Yorkshire during the past year. Figures obtained by Advice.co.uk reveal that North Yorkshire Police recorded 237 cyclist casualties in the 2024/25 reporting period. North Yorkshire Police categorise cycling injuries as slight, serious or fatal. In 2024/25, officers recorded two fatalities, 48 serious injuries and 187 slight injuries involving cyclists. These figures alig

New research reveals that 63 per cent of people believe more restrictions should be placed on older drivers to improve road safety practices. New research reveals that 63 per cent of people believe more restrictions should be placed on older drivers to improve road safety practices. Over the coming weeks, the government is expected to publish its newest road safety strategy. Amongst discussions, the topic of older drivers has been raised with concerns for failing eyesight and

During last week’s Road Safety Awareness Week, James Naish, Member of Parliament for Rushcliffe, joined Minister for Local Transport and fellow Nottinghamshire MP, Lilian Greenwood, to support the government’s upcoming Road Safety Strategy. Across Rushcliffe and Nottinghamshire, residents have raised concerns about speeding, dangerous driving, poor enforcement and pedestrian safety – particularly near schools, residential areas and busy junctions. James Naish MP said: “I’ve h